Shadow of redemption

caring

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

Aaravi leaned against Rakshit’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, slightly faster than usual. She glanced up, catching a rare softness in his otherwise expressionless face as he gazed intently at the television. Smiling, Aaravi nuzzled closer, closing her eyes in the comfort of his embrace. But moments later, she sensed tension in his body and noticed his hand moving to his forehead, his brows drawn together. It didn’t take long for her to realize that he was struggling with a headache—likely a severe one.

Concerned, she gently freed herself from his arms and stood up. Rakshit looked at her, a hint of confusion in his eyes as he asked, “Where are you going?”

“Wait here,” she replied softly, vanishing into her room. Moments later, Aaravi returned with a small bottle of light oil and gestured for Rakshit to sit down on the sofa. He raised a questioning brow.

“What are you planning to do?” he asked, a touch of surprise evident in his voice.

Aaravi smiled, her voice gentle yet firm, “Just sit down. I’ll give you a head massage. It’ll help with your headache.”

Rakshit was taken aback; it amazed him how well she understood his unspoken discomforts. Silently, he sat down, surrendering to the unfamiliar feeling of being cared for so intimately. Aaravi’s hands began to work through his hair with gentle pressure, her fingertips moving rhythmically, soothing his tense muscles. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to drift, feeling as though the burdens he carried were momentarily lifting. Her touch felt like a balm, easing away the chaos within him. For the first time in his life, Rakshit felt at peace.

After fifteen minutes, Aaravi noticed his features had softened, and his breathing had slowed as the tension melted from his face. She paused, softly calling, “Rakshit, I think you’re feeling better now.”

As she rose to wash her hands, she soon returned with a thin blanket, wrapping herself in one corner of the sofa and patting her lap. “Come here,” she invited him with a warm smile, “lay your head here and rest for a while.”

Rakshit looked at her, puzzled yet deeply moved by her care. She must have sensed his hesitance, for she reached forward and gently guided his head onto her lap, her fingers lightly tracing his temple.

“Close your eyes,” Aaravi whispered softly, her voice carrying a warmth that enveloped him completely.

He resisted momentarily, wanting to take in the kindness in her eyes, but soon relented. As his eyes fluttered shut, he thought to himself, How can someone be so caring? So pure? He felt his heart swell, the walls he’d built over years of solitude cracking under her gentle presence.

With one hand resting on his forehead, Aaravi carefully pressed her fingers against his temple, coaxing him into a peaceful calm. Rakshit, fully giving in to the comfort, slowly turned and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer as he buried his face into her stomach. A gentle, content sigh escaped him as he fell into a tranquil slumber, the weight of his harsh world falling away.

Aaravi’s heart raced at the unexpected closeness, but she relaxed, allowing herself to enjoy the moment. Is this what true love feels like? she wondered, her fingers softly tracing his hair.

Rakshit’s thoughts, as he drifted, held a simple, overwhelming gratitude. In Aaravi’s embrace, he had found a haven, a glimpse of a life he never dared imagine.

Rakshit lay asleep on Aaravi’s lap, his usually intense and guarded face softened in slumber. In the dim light, he looked vulnerable—almost childlike. The harsh lines that typically marked his face were gone, revealing high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and lips that now carried a faint hint of a smile. His lashes cast soft shadows, fluttering slightly as if in a dream. His usual aura of coldness and mystery had faded, leaving behind only Rakshit—the man beneath the mafia boss, appearing warm and gentle.

Aaravi watched him closely, her heart swelling with a mixture of love and sadness. Why do you carry so much darkness inside you? she wondered, gently brushing a strand of hair away from his face. You’re like a fish lost in the deepest part of the ocean, forever swimming through darkness, surrounded yet so alone, always seeking light but never finding it.

She sighed, her fingers tracing soft patterns along his temple, silently vowing to herself, I don’t know all the pain you carry, Rakshit, or what shaped you into the man you are now, but I do know this—I’m here now. I’ll be the light you need, even if you haven’t asked for it. I’ll bring love and happiness to your life, enough to chase away that darkness.

The thought brought a smile to her face, as she whispered softly, “You’re not alone anymore. Good night dear"

As the first light of dawn filled the living room, Rakshit stirred, waking up in an unfamiliar yet comforting position. He was lying on Aaravi’s lap, the warmth and peace around him a stark contrast to his usual mornings filled with restlessness and tension. There had been no nightmares, no need to reach for his gun or drink himself into oblivion the night before. He glanced up and saw Aaravi, still in the same position, her head tilted to one side as she slept soundly, looking almost angelic in the gentle sunlight streaming through the window.

His heart swelled with amazement and gratitude as he realized she had sacrificed her own comfort to let him rest. This princess of the Kapoor family—so cherished and cared for—was sitting here all night just to make sure he could sleep peacefully. As he pondered this, Aaravi began to stir, stretching her arms in the cutest way, looking at him with sleepy eyes.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked, her voice still drowsy but full of genuine warmth.

Rakshit looked at her, unable to hide his amazement. “I had the most peaceful sleep of my life,” he admitted. “Thank you, Aaravi. I don’t think I’ve felt this way in a long time.”

Aaravi gave a soft smile, her eyes filled with affection. “You don’t have to thank me, Rakshit. I care for you, and I want to fill your life with peace and happiness. Whatever darkness you’ve faced before, I’ll bring colors to replace it.” She paused, then added with a playful tone, “Now, go freshen up, and I’ll make you the best breakfast! Just tell me what you’d like.”

As she tried to stand, Aaravi felt her legs go numb from sitting in the same position all night. She wobbled, about to fall, but Rakshit quickly caught her, helping her sit back down. Kneeling, he began to gently massage her legs, concern etched on his face.

“Aaravi dear, why didn’t you wake me up if you were uncomfortable?” he asked, touched yet exasperated.

She giggled, looking up at him with sparkling eyes. “You called me ‘dear,’ Rakshit! My day is already amazing!” Her words were so innocent and endearing that he couldn’t help but shake his head in amusement.

“Are you feeling better now?” he asked.

“Much better!” she replied with a wink, quickly hurrying off to her room to freshen up. Rakshit watched her go, his heart lightened by her boundless energy. What a girl, he thought, so full of life and excitement.

Stepping outside for a moment, Rakshit found Raj waiting with a grin on his face. “So, boss,” Raj teased, “spent the whole night with bhabhi, huh? The famous Rakshit, finally sleeping peacefully with someone nearby.”

Rakshit shot him a warning look. “Don’t start imagining things, Raj. There’s nothing to read into.” Then, glancing at him more seriously, he asked, “You’re here so early. Did something happen?”

“Just a meeting,” Raj shrugged, “but we can handle it later. Right now, let’s focus on breakfast with bhabhi. She’s cooking, and I don’t want to miss it!” With an excited look, Raj practically ran off to get ready, leaving Rakshit chuckling at his friend’s enthusiasm.

Seems like Aaravi’s infectious warmth is spreading, Rakshit thought, a smile tugging at his lips as he went to join them, feeling his heart lighter than ever.

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